Press Release - May 6, 1994

Arrest of a bishop and priests

Stamford, Connecticut, U.S.A. - Bishop Liang Xi-Sheng, Bishop of the Diocese of Kaifeng in Henan Province was arrested on March 18, 1994. Details of arrests and location of his detention are unknown.

Father Li Jian-Jin of Han Dan in Hebei, 28 years old, was arrested while celebrating the Holy Mass in the home of a lay Catholic at approximately 3:00 p.m. on March 4, 1994 by more than ten fully armed security police of the Government. Father Li was beaten, hand cuffed and taken away. Trying to protect Father Li, the lay Catholic at the scene, including many ladies, were also beaten. The security police took away all consecrated Eucharists.

Father Lu Dong-Liang of Feng Feng Shi Dong Ging Liu in Hebei was arrested before Easter Sunday during the lent this year while celebrating the Holy Mass. Arrested at the same time were five male Catholics and six female Catholics.

Father Yan Chong-Ming was arrested on September 7, 1993 in his home. Not sure if he is the same person as Father Yan Chong-Zhao previously reported.